The Miracle of Life

Alison and I welcomed our first child to the world some seven weeks ago. Before the birth of our son Thomas, I never really saw children; I mean I saw them, but never noticed them. Even the children of our good friends were foreign to me. And now as I show off my boy at the markets I see that same look in other people’s eyes, “mmm, cute” they say, powering off to get their veggies. I believe there is some of this in all of us. There is your pre baby life and then there is the post baby life.

Now I’m not a religious man, but the creation of life really is a miracle. On farms I have helped birth scores of animals; lambs, calves, the odd horse, probably a few goats, a puppy or two, and I have seen many a chicken break the shell, and yet nothing – and I mean nothing – prepared me for that maternity suite. I tip my hat to all you mothers; every time I see a pram now I feel I should go over and shake the girl’s hand for her effort – it’s absolutely massive.

Maybe it was my over exposure to the birthing of animals that lulled me into a false sense of security (I’m sure I’m making our midwife proud here), but the next time I help out an animal I know I won’t walk off without thought as I have done on previous occasions, but I will stay at some distance to watch the wonder before me. Those few minutes after birth when the newborn finds life, are special on every occasion, even if there are a hundred of the little buggers in the paddock.

About Ben Clinch

Ben Clinch has a strong background in agriculture and has experience in operations and project management. Before starting The Free Range Butcher he worked as jackaroo, camel handler, barman, security guard, handyman, and tiler. These days he manages the day to day running of The Free Range Butcher business, and you can usually find him out the front of the farmers market stall; often telling bad jokes, or offering samples to vegetarians. He’s also the go to guy for sales, corporate enquiries, events, and silly questions.